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Dates & Prices

To book this tour, please refer to the sidebar ►

Prices are in US Dollars (USD), before taxes (if applicable) - All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses, however, we can book flights from virtually every city. Please call us for an air quote.

Start Date

End Date

Price

More Info

Sun 08 Jan 2017

Thu 19 Jan 2017

$2340 USD

Sun 19 Feb 2017

Thu 02 Mar 2017

$2340 USD

Sun 09 Jul 2017

Thu 20 Jul 2017

$2340 USD

Sun 08 Oct 2017

Thu 19 Oct 2017

$2340 USD

Sun 15 Oct 2017

Thu 26 Oct 2017

$2340 USD

Sun 07 Jan 2018

Thu 18 Jan 2018

$2340 USD

Sun 18 Feb 2018

Thu 01 Mar 2018

$2340 USD

Sun 08 Jul 2018

Thu 19 Jul 2018

$2340 USD

Sun 07 Oct 2018

Thu 18 Oct 2018

$2340 USD

Sun 14 Oct 2018

Thu 25 Oct 2018

$2340 USD

Optional Single Supplement: $600 USD (number of singles limited).

Tour Overview

Our 12 days of adventure are well-spent on this thrill-ride of a tour, as we explore the rural and urban charms of one of South America's most rewarding destinations; Ecuador. From the frenetic pace and man-made aesthetic beauty of the capital city of Quito, we make headway for the tranquility and natural splendour of one of the world's few remaining untouched wilderness regions; the Amazon rainforest. We keep a vigilant eye for colourful flora and teeming fauna as we explore the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle and see things from a different perspective when we embark on a short canoe-trip to explore inaccessible areas. Along the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes', a striking passage that snugly rests between the major cordillera ranges, we admire the contrast between the equatorial lushness in the valley and the snow-crested peaks of the surrounding mountains and we get our fill of historic sites of interest when we visit the colonial "White City" of Ibarra and the UNESCO-designated urban centres of Quito. Our browsing in local marketplaces gives us valuable insight to the country's contemporary culture and the lifestyles of its people.

Full Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in QuitoArrive in Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788 m / 9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.

Overnight in Quito.Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2Quito - AmazonToday we fly to the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Cuyabeno Lodge.*

Our 30-minute flight takes us from Quito to Lago Agrio where we will meet our naturalist guide and continue by bus to the Cuyabeno Reserve bridge where we will continue our trip by boat for an other hour and a half. From the boat we will have the chance to see some of the wildlife of the reserve, like monkeys and many bird species such as the colourful macaw

Cuyabeno National Park is the largest protected area of Ecuador, covering about 603,380 hectares of mostly pristine jungle. The lakes and narrow rivers are the secret of wildlife visibility of Cuyabeno. Throughout the Amazon region, most national parks lack narrow rivers and can only be seen from very wide branches of the Amazon river and from trails through the jungle. In Cuyabeno, on the other hand, the shores are so close on both sides that you feel that you are part of the jungle. The Cuyabeno Amazon Rainforest Lodge is one of the longest established jungle lodges within the Amazon region and is operated by international conservationists who helped create and protect the park.

Seven detached cabins made of wood with thatched roofs scattered throughout the grounds, each sleeping two people in double or twin beds. All rooms have a balcony or terrace and private bathrooms with hot water showers.

Upon arrival we'll have some welcome drinks and, after a little break, go for the first jungle walk on the Chorongo Trail where we can learn more about the local flora and fauna. After dinner an optional night walk.

Please note that groups of fewer than 8 participants will not be accompanied by an Adventures Abroad Tour Leader for this Amazon portion (you will be very capably looked after by lodge staff & guides).

* As this is an early morning flight, passengers with flight routings that land in Quito late on Day 1 might consider arriving a day earlier in order to rest up and avoid a "painfully early" start on this day.

Overnight in the Amazon.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3AmazonYou will experience a pristine rainforest gallery that is home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines, and exotic flowers, as well as 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 beautiful butterflies. Guides with extensive knowledge of the Amazon wildlife and biodiversity can give guests the true experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. All of our jungle adventures will be guided by a naturalist guide.

This morning we'll visit the canopy tower where we will have the chance to spot more bird and mammal species. This afternoon we can enjoy an easy canoe ride and perhaps fish some piranhas! After dinner, an optional canoe trip to see some caimans.

Overnight in the Amazon.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4AmazonToday we visit a local Siona community, an integral part of any complete tour of the Cuyabeno Reserve. This ethnic group lives along the Cuyabeno River in a community named Puerto Bolivar.

You will be able to experience native culture as it has existed unchanged for millennia. The local Shaman will instruct you in some of their religious practices and explain their medicinal knowledge, passed down from ancestors whose intimate relationship and deep understanding of the natural resources and rhythms of the jungle are the basis for many of our modern pharmaceuticals.

Overnight in the Amazon.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5Amazon - QuitoToday we transfer to the Cuyabeno Reserve bridge where the bus will be waiting to take us back to the Lago Agrio Airport for our flight back to Quito.

Overnight in Quito.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6Quito - Otavalo Valley - IbarraToday we journey north to the Otavalo Valley region.

In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas. They established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15 hour days weaving fabrics. Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft. We visit a traditional home with adobe walls and visit with the owners who raise guinea pigs, a local delicacy.

Our hosteria is located nearby the colonial town of Ibarra (2121 m / 7,000 feet), known as the "White City" since many of it houses are colonial style, red-tiled and whitewashed.

Overnight in Ibarra.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7Ibarra - Otavalo Market - Avenue of Volcanoes - La CienegaThis morning we visit Otavalo to experience the market. This market is centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. All day long, the whir of cotton candy machines, Andean pipe music, and Quichua, the native tongue derived from the Incan tongue, drift across the square. A blinding maze of coloured textiles spills from the square across the town.

We depart Otavalo to follow in the footsteps of the German scientist, Alexander von Humboldt, and rediscover what in 1802 he called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," a 325 km (202 mi) long valley between the major cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. We see snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, small villages and fascinating cultures.

The area is also home to a number of exceptional haciendas, some of which date back to the 16th century. La Cienega Hacienda is located near the village of Lasso near the foot of Cotopaxi and has been witness to centuries of important events in the history of Ecuador.

Overnight at Hosteria La Cienega. Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8La Cienega - BanosToday we continue our journey to Banos. This small town's elevation gives it an extremely agreeable climate and the surrounding mountainsides are brilliant green against the white summit of the Volcano Tungurahua. En route we have a short walk to view one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America, the Devil's Bowl.

The word Banos means "baths" and, as the name indicates, the highlight is the numerous hot spring baths in the area. Today we have opportunity to visit the hot springs as well as wander the streets and market of this picturesque town. You can also hike into the nearby hillsides, along farmers' donkey trails through fields of corn, passion-fruit, and various other local products. A must-see is the Basilica dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water, credited with performing many miracles in the Banos area.

Overnight in Banos.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9Banos - RiobambaAfter lunch in Banos we travel through open farmland flowing over the high ridges of the Western Andes. On arrival in Riobamba we will have a walking tour including the cathedral and the restored 1920's era Post Office, with free time for independent wanderings.

Overnight in Riobamba. Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10Riobamba - Chimborazo Reserve - QuitoWe depart Riobamba and head for Chimborazo Reserve for a scenic drive around the base of this almost perfectly-conical dormant volcano. Chimborazo (6310m / 20,833 ft), the highest summit in Ecuador, is the gem of the reserve along with the neighboring Carihuairazo Volcano. In the Indian language, Chimborazo means "mountain of snow". It is an enormous mass of overwhelming scale. Alexander Von Humboldt made an unsuccessful attempt to climb the mountain in 1802, and believed it to be the highest mountain in the world. This distinction lasted until the discovery of Mt. Everest fifty years later. Chimborazo was finally climbed by Edward Whimper in 1880. The Reserve of Chimborazo was created in October of 1987 to protect the extensive moors, the flora and the fauna of the region.

We will make several photo stops on our drive, and enjoy this starkly beautiful volcanic landscape. We have a chance to see a vicuna, an endangered species. Vicuna are the smallest of the Camelid family standing at just 2ft 8"-3ft 7" at the shoulder. They are extremely refined and delicate to look at, cinnamon in colour with an apron of long white hair on their chest. The vicuna produces one of the finest fibres of any animal in the world. We also visit an interesting indigenous community at the foot of the mountain where they have been successful in creating a responsible travel and tourism industry.

We continue north to Quito.

Overnight in Quito.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11Quito: City TourToday we tour old Spanish Colonial Quito, preserved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We stop at the commanding Legislative Palace, whose murals record Ecuador's history. We will see Quito's most beautiful religious buildings, including the cathedral, the Independence Plaza, San Francisco Church, and visit one of Quito's most impressive religious buildings, La Compania church, whose ornate facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous of South American churches. We visit the famous Panecillo Hill with its towering winged statue of the Virgin of the Apocalypse with views of north and south of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

This afternoon we travel 22 km (14 miles) north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the "middle of the world," where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. We also visit the excellent on-site ethnographic museum with exhibits pertaining to the many indigenous peoples of Ecuador.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to logistical reasons, this is a "floating day" that may occur at a different point of our programme.

Overnight in Quito.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12DepartureDeparture from Quito.

BUEN VIAJE!Meal plan: Breakfast

Tour Map

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*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Hotel List

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Trip Information

To book this tour, please refer to the sidebar ►

Inclusions

Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and restaurants); lunches in Amazon. All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.

This tour is offered throughout the year. The cool and dry season runs from May to October. Outside this time you will encounter warmer and perhaps rainy / misty conditions in the highlands but serious heat / humidity are only a consideration in the Amazon.

Transport and Travel Conditions

Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest. Roads are in good condition though winding on some stretches. Numerous walking tours on uneven surfaces. Most people are not seriously affected by altitude (3000-3300 m / 8,500-9,500 ft)- check with your doctor. Flight to Amazon via scheduled local carrier.

Accommodation

Well-located, heated / air-conditioned (except Amazon), mid-range (3 star) hotels with en suite toilet and bath throughout. The Amazon lodge is a little more rustic, but still very nicely appointed. Porter service is usually in Ecuador though you should be independent with your luggage, especially at airports. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.